Betty L. Coker

Betty L. Coker, age 86, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 27, 1939, to the late Robert and Ethel (nee King) Surls in Elkhart, Indiana. On April 6, 1963, Betty married the love of her life Jerry Coker, and together they raised two lovely daughters.

Betty balanced work and family responsibilities throughout her life and cared deeply for her family and friends and valued the relationship she had with everyone she loved. She was a real estate agent for many years and spent her latter years with Walmart as a cashier until she retired

Betty loved gardening and making new recipes with the vegetables she grew, entering the Pillsbury Bakeoff was a way to share her love of cooking with others. She took great pride in her yard, mowing it herself way into her 80's on her John Deere. Betty was adventurous and loved learning new things, learning to play the guitar in her 70's. She enjoyed oil painting and taught classes to share her passion with others.

Betty is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jerry Coker; two daughters, Laurie (Joe) Pilla and Pam (Kelly Koss) Coker; two grandchildren, Brian (Nereyda Padilla) Pilla and Rebecca Pilla; and many other loving family members and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bill Surls; two sisters, Janet (Fred) Schrock and Judy (Phil Cohee) McMeekan.

In lieu of flowers donations in Betty's memory can be made to St. Jude Chidren's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis TN 38105-9959.

A funeral service for Betty will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368. A visitation for Betty will also be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11:00 am until the time of service at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. For more information please call (219) 762-3013 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com